The more and more I learn about herbs, the more in love with them I fall! Herbs have revolutionized how I take care of my family. I’ve told you about how to make herbal extracts, and today contributor Heather will show us how to use a simple soothing salve recipe to address a number of skin conditions for your family. Be sure to scroll to the bottom for a special offer, only through Monday, September 26th! -Jaclyn

As herbal medicines are becoming more mainstream, many are eschewing conventional lotions and creams and making their own soothing salves. Below, I’ll give you a simple soothing salve recipe that can help you replace creams for eczema, poison ivy, diaper rash and so much more.

First, let’s define the difference between a salve, a balm, and an ointment. Many think those words are interchangeable, and that can be true in some cases. However, there IS a difference between them.

Salves are made with a mixture of fats and herbs in a semi-solid state. Generally, they consist of herbal infused oils and wax. They are the ones most often used by the home herbalist. They are quick and easy to make, and you can use wild foraged herbs from your backyard or garden.

Balms are similar to salves.They start with herbal infused oils and beeswax. Then, essential oils are added, making it very aromatic. They tend to be thick and very creamy, and most often in a solid state. If you make lip products, deodorants, or lotion bars, you are essentially making balms.

Ointments are similar to balms. They start with herbal infused oils, and add wax and essential oils to the finished products. However, the main difference is texture. They are usually thinner and not as creamy as balms.

Essential oils to consider

Tea Tree: used for anti-microbial benefits such as healing acne or on skin wounds.

Peppermint: used for soothing headaches, stomach pains, and bug bites.

Gentle, baby-friendly salve recipe

To make a skin soothing salve that will go from diaper bag to sports bag with ease, follow the basic salve recipe above, using 3 grams dried calendula and 2 grams dried lavender in 1/2 cup jojoba oil. This will be safe for anyone to use up to 3x a day, with great skin-soothing benefits.

What’s your favorite salve recipe? Share this post using one of our links so friends can learn how easy it to make their own herbal remedies.

About Heather Harris

Heather and her family live in Northern Indiana, where they strive to grow 70-80% of their own food on less than 1/4. They raise chickens, ducks, turkeys and rabbits along with a greenhouse and garden. In her little bits of spare time, Heather is working toward her Master Herbalist certification as well as becoming a Nurse-Midwife.

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